Firefighters take on marathon challenge to raise money for charity

The 2026 London Marathon will live long in the memory as it saw the two-hour barrier broken for the first time by an athlete. Kenyan runner Sebastian Sawe finished the course in an astonishing 1:59:30 and wrote himself into sporting history.

But while Sawe’s achievement was huge, there were also some impressive achievements and performances among the non-elite runners who took part, who overcame their own challenges to raise thousands for charity. As ever, plenty of firefighters from London and around the country took on the challenge.

Mark Peart of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service finished in 3:02:57, setting a record for running a marathon in full firefighting PPE.
Peart, who is based at Dearne fire station, also raised more than £1,500 – at the time of writing – for the Firefighters Memorial Trust.

In addition, about 20 firefighters from LFB staff took part. Among those was Station Officer Dan Ascough, who pushed his friend, and former London firefighter, John Chart, who has Motor Neurone Disease (MND), to the finish line in a wheelchair.

The pair have been attempting to do the marathon for several years, but only secured a spot this year. Sadly, Chart’s mobility has become restricted in the interim period, and he now uses a wheelchair. The assisted wheelchair the duo used is the same one that rugby league players Kevin Sinfield and the late Rob Burrows had for the Leeds Marathon in 2024. Ascough was pleased to finally participate, and the wait made him even more determined to succeed.

“I met John shortly after his diagnosis and his resilience has motivated me,” Ascough said. “I’ve always found it incredible how positive John is about life and his approach to making the most of every day and making it count. His positivity really inspires people that are struggling. I wanted to show my appreciation for everything John does, which is why I decided to push him around the most iconic marathon in the world.

“It was a test of endurance, but John doesn’t get a break from his MND, so I was sure I could endure running for a few long hours. As painful as the whole experience was, at least I could climb into bed in the evening and twist and turn as much as I needed to when my legs ached – they did by the way! John can’t do that. He would have been sore all over and spent a restless night awake, with his wife nursing him.

Ascough said they were really fortunate to get a last-minute place for John’s son Chris, so he could help support his dad: “MND is progressive and incurable. None of us know how long John has left but I feel we made special memories for him and Chris, that they can hold onto. Most importantly for John, we did our bit to create more awareness of MND and the impact it has on families.

“I was so proud, honoured and privileged to cross the finish line with John and complete this marathon journey with him. We want people to donate for much needed research into this terrible disease. Donations will also go to the Fire Fighters Charity.”

Leading Firefighter Steve Behan from Soho Fire Station was another to take on the marathon in his PPE and BA; he kept it on to run under air for 26.2 miles. He has tackled some difficult incidents during the 22 years he has served as a London firefighter, but this was the ultimate challenge.

“It wasn’t a ‘fun run,’” Behan said. “My aim was to complete the distance in the best time I’m capable of! Crossing the line in just over 7 hours, I was met by my Soho fire station colleagues which was a really nice touch. I would just like to say a massive thank you to all my support team who spent the day following me around the course to make sure everything ran smoothly. And, last but not least, firefighter Katie Drewett, who was running the marathon for the first time and selflessly ran side by side with me for the duration of the 26.2 miles.

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact the Fire Fighters Charity has had on firefighters and their families. From life-changing injuries and illness to the mental toll of the job – they consistently provide support when it’s needed most.”

Firefighter Hannah Weatherley from Wembley Fire Station also ran in her full fire service kit. She too was taking part for the Fire Fighters Charity raising almost £3,000. She completed the London Landmarks Half marathon as part of her training.

Holloway’s Blue Watch Leading Firefighter Jack Willson ran the 26.2 miles as part of his 40th birthday bucket list. He was also raising funds for the Fire Fighters Charity. “The experience was amazing,” he said. “The amount of people supporting from the sidelines really helped from start to finish. I completed it in 4 hours 5 minutes, which I was pleased with. Thanks to everyone who donated, I’ve raised £1,245.”

Bethnal Green Leading Firefighter Alex Murphy ran the marathon in support of men’s health charity Movember. Alex came back from injury last summer, when he broke his foot, to do the ultimate running challenge.

Elsewhere, Chris Dabell, who is not a firefighter, chose to run in full fire kit – including breathing apparatus – as a tribute to firefighters across the UK who wear it every day to save lives.

Dabell ran in memory of firefighters Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, who lost their lives in the Bicester Motion fire last year. “This challenge is deeply personal,” Dabell said. “Following the tragic loss of Jennie and Martyn in Bicester, along with the serious injuries sustained by others and the daily risks faced by every firefighter, I felt compelled to do something. This run is my way of honouring those we’ve lost, those still fighting, and those who selflessly serve our communities every day.”

FIRE Magazine

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